Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed a capital expenditure of Rs 12.2 lakh crore in the 2026-27 Budget to enhance major infrastructure projects for economic growth and job creation. The Budget also includes the establishment of an Infrastructure Risk Development Fund to expedite the progress of large-scale initiatives. Emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development, Sitharaman highlighted plans to boost sectors like highways, ports, railways, and power projects, as well as to enhance manufacturing in strategic areas and support MSMEs.
Maintaining fiscal responsibility and monetary stability, the government aims to focus on public investments while advocating for increased integration with global markets to enhance exports and attract foreign investments. The Finance Minister underscored the government’s commitment to implementing over 350 reforms to stimulate employment, productivity, and growth. She expressed confidence in India’s progress towards a developed nation, emphasizing the balance between ambition and inclusivity.
Sitharaman outlined the three key duties guiding the Union Budget prepared at Kartivya Bhavan, focusing on sustaining economic growth, meeting public aspirations, and ensuring equitable resource distribution. The Budget prioritizes scaling up manufacturing in strategic and frontier sectors while emphasizing the need for continuous structural reforms and forward-thinking approaches. The Finance Minister highlighted the role of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, as catalysts for economic growth and underscored the significance of India’s integration with global markets for sustainable development.
